The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday revoked Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi and the National Capital Region after the air quality improved.
The commission said that the Air Quality Index in Delhi had “significantly improved” to 236 on Friday from 380 on Thursday.
On Saturday, the air quality in Delhi was in the “poor” category, according to data from the Sameer application at 7.05 am. The average AQI in the city was 228.
GRAP is a set of incremental anti-pollution measures that are triggered to prevent further worsening of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region. The commission is a statutory body formed in 2020 to address pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas.
All restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 remain in force.
The air quality will remain in the “poor to very poor category in coming days”, the panel quoted the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology as having forecast.
This round of Stage 3 restrictions had been in force since December 24 when Stage 4 measures were revoked.
Stage 3 measures include a ban on non-essential construction work and the closure of stone crushers and mining activities, in addition to the measures already imposed under Stage 1 and Stage 2.
They also include the shifting of primary school up to Class 5 to hybrid mode. Parents and students have the option to choose between offline and online classes wherever available.
NCR air quality
On Saturday, the cities adjoining the capital also reported improved air quality levels as compared to the past week. While Noida recorded an AQI of 203 and Greater Noida 198, Ghaziabad was 227 and Gurugram 202.
An index value between 101 and 200 indicates “moderate” air quality. As the air quality deteriorates, the value increases further. A value of 201 and 300 means “poor” air quality, while between 301 and 400 indicates “very poor” air.
Delhi and the neighbouring cities have recorded air quality in the “poor” or worse categories since mid-October.
Air quality deteriorates sharply in the winter months in Delhi, which is often ranked the world’s most polluted capital. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, vehicular pollution, along with the lighting of firecrackers during Diwali, falling temperatures, decreased wind speeds and emissions from industries and coal-fired plants contribute to the problem.
Also read:
- Delhi records most polluted December since 2018
- Watch: Delhi’s pollution crisis needs drastic action
- Why air quality numbers in Delhi vary widely
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